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ROUND FOUR PREVIEWS – 17TH MAY

 LOXTON NORTH V BERRI

This game will be a cracking contest- two young and quick sides going head-to-head. Berri have been most impressive with recruits Ryan Porter, Mitch Blackie and Darren Marner in the best players list consistently. Blackie did the job on ex-Sturt player Michael Bratton and he’ll probably get the gig on Loxton North’s Michael Scott, who was sensational against Renmark. The Demons’ regular stars Peter Safralidis and Adam Beauchamp now have others stepping up in Nathan Geyer. ‘Saf’ may play on Justin Proud much in the same role as Renmark’s Josh Warnock did so successfully last week. Kym Sampson will be up against the Panther’s freakish-skilled full forward Geordie Franks. Berri have an even spread of goal-kickers and should just get up in a thrilling match by two points at Loxton North. 

RENMARK V LOXTON

Loxton are in the doldrums with a combination of inexperience, injuries and a lack of depth. Only the Tigers’ Nick Uren, new player Brock Birkin, Mark Thiele in defence and Raph Liddle its shining lights. Others need to step up – just like Renmark have done in the past two weeks after its massive loss to Barmera Monash in round one. The Rovers will win easily because its big men Craig Seekamp and Nathan Farr in superb form. Farr, in particular has dominated in the ruck and around the ground and is getting better with age. Steven Pitt lived up to the hype that surrounded the club following his signing with a match-winning four-goals against Loxton North last weekend. His duel with Thiele will be interesting and a key. Matt Camplin showed glimpses last week for the Rovers and needs to be watched. The home side Renmark will add more misery to a Loxton outfit whose only hope is for enigmatic forward Jamahl Liddle to kick a bag that he is capable of. The Rovers by 39 points. 

WAIKERIE V BARMERA MONASH

In form and undefeated Barmera Monash travel to Waikerie in what promises to be a terrific clash. The Roos had a dozen goal-scorers last week and in contrast Ben Venning booted over half of the Magpies score last weekend. Marc and Sam Elloitt have been brilliant for Barmera in the midfield adding and adding another avenue to goal, especially March who kicked eight against Loxton last Saturday. It’s hard to see Waikerie winning this despite its home ground advantage. Steven Braun leads the way in defence for them but it needs more goal scoring options if it is to upset the Roos. It should be four-zip for Barmera with a comfortable 22-point victory. 

RENMARK V LOXTON NORTH,

 Played Sat May 12th

By Nick Kossatch at Renmark Oval 

                  A four-goal haul to Renmark’s prized recruit Steven Pitt helped it to an upset 13-point win against reigning premier Loxton North in A-grade RFL. The hosts had North on the back foot in the first quarter with quick ball movement that enabled Pitt to be isolated’one out’ against experienced Anton Cook.

                  The former Norwood and Collingwood player booted three goals in the first quarter as the Rovers led by 18 points at quarter time. Josh Warnock was assigned the task of minding North centre half forward Justin Proud and relished the challenge. Jaryd Rowe ran hard for touches and chased like a man possessed for the Rovers. Warnock combined with fellow defender Daniel Minther and Ben Wagnitz for Pitt’s third before Minther’s opponent Geordie Franks got away to post his team’s first goal.

                  The second quarter showed more of why the Panthers won the flag last year as its runners – Michael Scott, Ryan Proud, skipper Josh Nelson, Jamie Ferguson and Tim Arnold got it into the game with a five goal to two term. Scores were tied away at half time and it seemed Loxton North would run away with the game. Ferguson was at the end of some brilliant run from defence to goal and the Panthers were in front for the first time via a brilliant Scott pass to Franks. When big Craig Seekamp goaled to level the scores – it appeared either North’s runners or the Renmark’s agile big men were to be the match-winners.

                   Warnock denied Proud a clean grab that led to James Bentley handballing to Renmark’s new cult hero Yiani Papgeorgios for the first goal of the third quarter. The Panthers’ forwards needed to reward the runners’ hard work through the middle of the ground and Franks was off the ground briefly with a slight injury. Seekamp’s strong bustling work culminated with an inspirational Dale Pfeiffer goal on the boundary helping Renmark to a two-goal lead at three quarter time.

                  Renmark’s aforementioned better players rose to the challenge after the visitor’s kicked the first two goals in the last term. Matt Camplin kicked a pair of majors and despite a brilliant reply from Franks with a soccered goal – the sealer was from impressive debutant Josh Albanese who got at the end of a James Bentley handball. Scott was a standout for the Panthers whilst defender Ryan Gray was solid before a fair heavy Seekamp bump curtailed him.

Round 3 - May 12, 2012

Best: Renmark - N. Farr, J. Warnock, C. Seekamp, T. Thorpe, M. Camplin, B. Redpath.  Loxton North: M. Scott, R. Gray, J. Voigt, B. Miller, T. Arnold. Goals: Renmark - S. Pitt 4, C. Seekamp 2, M. Camplin 2, Y. Papageorgios 1, J. Albanese 1, D. Pfeiffer 1, R. Glazbrook 1.  Loxton North: G. Franks 5, M. Scott 2, R. Proud 1, J. Dean 1, B. Walter 1, J. Ferguson 1

Best: Berri - N. Geyer, R. Porter, A. Hume, M. Blackie, R. Langcake, D. Marner.  Waikerie: C. Underwood, B. Venning, C. Williams, S. Braun, C. Miller, D. Smith. Goals: Berri - D. Marner 3, L. Jennings 2, A. Hume 2, J. Milburn 2, R. Porter 2, G. White 1, R. Langcake 1.  Waikerie: B. Venning 5, T. Bevan 1, C. Williams 1, M. Bratton 1, J. Thomson 1

Best: Barmera Monash - J. Smith, M. Elliott, M. Smart, D. Millard, J. Bonney, S. Elliott. Loxton - J. Liddle, N. Uren, B. Birkin, R. Liddle, M. Thiele, K. Smith. Goals: Barmera Monash - M. Elliott 8, R. Price 2, M. Smart 2, T. Baldock 2, L. Chamberlain , J. Graetz , D. Millard , T. Oates , S. Elliott , R. Hogan , C. Hanna , B. Jennings. Loxton - J. Liddle 5, J. Smith , J. Collinson , J. Walding , R. Colls

ROUND THREE PREVIEWS, 10TH MAY 2012

BERRI V WAIKERIE

This promises to be a most interesting match. Berri have been impressive, even in its loss to Barmera Monash last Saturday after being 26 points behind at three quarter time. Waikerie were made to work hard again for its win against Renmark. Recruits Jamie Milburn, prodigal son Lachlan Jennings, Darren Marner and Ryan Porter all booted two goals or more and Marner can take the big grab. The Magpies defence is solid with Steven Braun and new recruit Glen Schreiber again starring. The match up of Demon superstar Adam Beauchamp and ex-Sturt Michael Bratton will be a terrific duel. Ben Venning was quiet last Saturday and Steven Raeder will need to be at his best for the 2010 premiers Berri. The Demons are coached very well and in somewhat of an upset to win by 16 points because of its abundant small forwards – Jennings, Marner and X-Factor Kirk Harwood. 

LOXTON V BARMERA MONASH

Undefeated Barmera Monash travel to winless Loxton’s home ground choc full of confidence. State country ruckman Tyler Baldock showed his versatility by booting five goals against Berri and is currently the recruit of the year. Sam and Marc Elliott are also dominating in the midfield for the Roos. The Tigers’ Brock Birken played another impressive game for his new club last week but it will have its work cut out. A lot again will be asked of Loxton’s ‘old firm’ Mark Theile, Nick Uren and Raph and Jamahl Liddle. Barmera should get up by 56 points. 

RENMARK V LOXTON NORTH

Renmark finally get a home game after being visitors in the opening two rounds and it will be buoyed from its fighting performance against Waikerie last weekend. Recruit Steven Pitt showed much better form and the return of future skipper Jaryd Rowe added more desperation to the team. Pitt will not find the task any easier with Anton Cook set to return to the Panthers on Saturday whilst Justin Proud returned to form with four goals last week. Quick off the mark and with a strong set of hands, the Rovers are likely to have Josh Warnock against Proud. North have a ‘mosquito fleet’ of speedsters with Jamie Ferguson, Michael Scott, Andrew Baker and high-flying Ben Walter to run the Rovers off its feet. Rowe, captain Trevor Thorpe and Warnock are the only ones who can match the Panther’s speed but its skill level is questionable at this early stage of the season. Loxton North will run away in the second half with its superior fitness to win by 34 points. 

Round 2 Report - LOXTON V LOXTON NORTH

By Nick Kossatch at Loxton Oval

                  Loxton North returned to its premiership form of last year with a ruthless 72-point win against cross-town rivals Loxton in round two of RFL. The game was broken open in the second quarter when the 2011 premiers booted eight goals.

                  Justin Proud was back to his strong-marking best and provided a focal point at centre half forward and he kicked four goals, as did the colourful Geordie Franks. His cousin Ryan also created havoc with five majors.

                  It was a tight first term with Loxton skipper Nick Uren doing all he can to keep his team in the game and recruit Brock Birkin was in amongst it as well. Raphael and Jamahl Liddle both had enthralling duels with the much-improved North defender Matthew Golding.

                  Golding is relishing his role in the absence of the injured Josh Voigt and veteran Anton Cook. The Panthers outscored the Tigers by five goals in the second half and pint-sized Jamie Ferguson continued his great start to the year with plenty of the ball and three goals to his name.

                  Speedsters Andrew Baker and Wunkar recruit Jake Tapper each kicked two and were zippy around the packs whilst Brogan Whitelaw is one of these players who has a lot of time in getting rid of the ball effectively. Ryan Gray was on top in defence and Tim Arnold was another of the smaller players inflicting damage at Loxton.

                  It seems a long season is in store for the club that will build its team around the Liddle brothers, Uren and solid fullback Mark Theile, who played another terrific game.

                  Brock Birkin was another better player for the Loxton side and it faces an undefeated Barmera Monash side whilst Loxton North travels to Renmark on Saturday.

Round 2 - May 5, 2012

Best: Waikerie - M. Bratton, C. Underwood, B. Schiller, G. Schreiber, S. Braun, T. Bevan.  Renmark: T. Thorpe, N. Farr, M. Camplin, J. Warnock, J. Rowe, A. Bryant. Goals: Waikerie - T. Bevan 2, A. Bachmann 2, M. Underwood 2, M. Briggs 1, C. Underwood 1, M. Butcher 1, J. Haines 1, B. Venning 1.   Renmark - S. Pitt 2, M. Camplin 2, Y. Papageorgios 1, R. Menz 1, J. Rowe 1

Best: Loxton North - J. Ferguson, R. Proud, R. Gray, J. Proud, T. Arnold, G. Franks.  Loxton - N. Uren, R. Liddle, M. Thiele, B. Birkin, J. Liddle, N. Flight. Goals: Loxton North - R. Proud 5, J. Proud 4, G. Franks 4, J. Ferguson 3, A. Baker 2, J. Tapper 2, B. Walter 1, B. Whitelaw 1, T. Arnold 1.   Loxton - R. Liddle 3, J. Liddle 3, N. Flight 2, N. Uren 2, J. Sumner 1, Z. Kirk 1

Best: Barmera Monash - M. Smart, T. Baldock, S. Elliott, D. Millard, M. Elliott, J. Smith.  Berri - D. Marner, R. Porter, A. Beauchamp, L. Jennings, S. Hirschi, D. Haines. Goals: Barmera Monash - T. Baldock 5, M. Elliott 4, S. Elliott 3, R. Burns 2, M. Smart 2, D. Millard 1, B. Jennings 1.  Berri - L. Jennings 4, J. Milburn 4, D. Marner 2, R. Porter 2, J. Woolston 1, S. Hirschi 1, M. Voigt 1, R. Langcake 1, K. Harwood 1

ROUND TWO PREVIEW

5TH MAY 

BARMERA MONASH V BERRI

These bitter rivals both come off impressive wins in the first round. Loxton did take it up to the Demons in the first half before the class of David Hankin and the returning Lachlan Jennings spear-headed an 11 goal to two second half. Hankin probably will return to West Adelaide’s reserves team this weekend. New recruits Ryan Porter and Mitch Blackie were particularly good for their new club and equally as good were Barmera’s new players Marc Elliott and Tyler Baldock. Steven Raeder is a big game player and he may well get first crack at the Roos evergreen Robert Price who booted five goals. Greg White is another who has had success against big ‘Pricey’ previously. Jack Selfe has begun in blazing fashion and Berri need to curtail his gut-busting Parry Dangerfield-type running and ball getting ability. Demon inspirational skipper Peter Safralidis could be matched up on the Barmera gun. In what will be a fast-paced and high class game the home side Roos should win a tight affair by eight points. 

LOXTON V LOXTON NORTH

The local derby at Loxton Oval and both clubs will be desperate for a win and Loxton North will be keen to carry momentum from its last quarter fight back against Waikerie on Anzac Day. Justin and Daniel Proud had relatively quiet games by their lofty standards as did full forward Geordie Franks. New recruit Brock Birkin showed class against Berri and Jamahl and Raph Liddle featured in Loxton’s better players also. The duel between Franks and Loxton’s best player from last week, Mark Theile at fullback will be a great contest. North will be eager to get the win and should by 18 points.

WAIKERIE V RENMARK

Renmark were made to look slow and simply second rate against a rampant Barmera. Of the rare highlights, experienced midfielder Adam Bryant got plenty of the ball, Nathan Farr won his position in ruck and recruit Matt Taylor, from Broadview never gave up. In a quirk with the RFL draw – Renmark again have to travel away and this time to Waikerie. The Rovers will have to find a way around big and strong marking powerhouse Waikerie centre half back Steven Braun, who simply stopped most Loxton North forward entries on Anzac Day. Craig Seekamp will likely be lining up at centre half forward for Renmark whilst Matt Camplin will be keen to show why the club were keen to get back his services. If Camplin is switched on, this will go a long way of the Rovers causing an upset. This won’t happen. Renmark will improve but the Magpies would want to finish a side off. Waikerie to win by 56 points. 

BARMERA MONASH V RENMARK

By Nick Kossatch at Bruce Oval, Barmera

MAY 2, 2012

 Barmera-Monash trounced Renmark by 119-points in a surprisingly one-sided affair in round one of RFL in Barmera on Saturday. It took a few minutes before the first goal was scored as both sides tested themselves with willing tackles and crunching bumps. However it were the Roos that stamped its authority with a four-goal first quarter and Strathalbyn recruit Marc Elliott showed all why Barmera signed him with two goals in the term. Jacke Selfe began in outstanding fashion and he took full toll with the absence of Renmark speedster Jaryd Rowe, who was a late withdrawal with a leg strain.

                  The game was as good as over for the Rovers by half time and a long, raking goal by another new player for Barmera, Tyler Baldock from the Wirrulla Football Club, preceded a 57-point lead at half time. Renmark’s skills were poor and Whillas Medallist Dillon Millard, with the role as full back on ex-Norwood and Collingwood player Steven Pitt, shut him out of the game.

                  The visitor’s failed to kick a goal in the opening half but ruckman Nathan Farr, Ben Wagnitz in defence and then in the forward lines, Adam Bryant and skipper Trevor Thorpe all showed resilience against the Barmera onslaught. Brodie Jennings, a lightly built youngster summoned to the A-grade from the under 18s, kicked two goals in the second quarter and had three for the half. Defenders Kieren Nairne-Kassulke and Aaron Manning displayed polish and class for players with youth on their side.

                  Renmark’s best was its third term with Thorpe, Wagnitz and the pacy Kane Pedler as the sparks that ignited a four-goal quarter. Pedler got the first goal for his side with some run and carry – exactly what Barmera have been doing but a brilliant six-pointer on the boundary from Baldock after his tackle on Pedlar ended any semblance of a comeback from Renmark. Jake Smith and Sam Elliott were others who got plenty of the ball for Barmera and fellow left-footer Josh Warnock sent the ball inside the Rovers’ forward 50 numerous times to be one of its best.

                  The home side put on the after-burners in the last quarter with a superb 10-goals and it was a case of youth blending with experience with Jennings and the returning veteran Robert Price combining with 11-goals. Price, well held by Daniel Minther for the bulk of the match, kicked three goals in the last term to finish with five whilst the quick-silver Jennings played the perfect small forward role with a six-goal game. Jordan Roissetter is another with genuine leg-speed and he helped himself to three-second half goals. Danny Millard was a handy foil for Price and Jennings with two goals before providing rebound out of defence.

Remainder of Round 1 - April 28, 2012

Best, Barmera Monash : M. Elliott, J. Selfe, S. Elliott, B. Jennings, J. Smith, D. Millard.  Renmark: A. Bryant, N. Farr, M. Taylor, N. Gillard, J. Bleeze, S. Frahn.  Goals, Barmera Monash: B. Jennings 6, R. Price 5, M. Elliott 4, T. Baldock 3, J. Roissetter 2, D. Millard 2, J. Selfe 1, S. Elliott 1.  Renmark : R. Menz 2, K. Pedler 1, P. Burne 1, B. Wagnitz 1.

Best: Berri - A. Beauchamp, L. Jennings, N. Geyer, M. Blackie, D. Hankin, P. Safralidis. Loxton - M. Thiele, K. Smith, J. Liddle, B. Birkin, R. Liddle. Goals: Berri - D. Hankin 6, R. Porter 2, L. Jennings 2, M. Blackie 2, P. Safralidis , M. Voigt , G. White , R. Correll , S. Raeder , J. Woolston. Loxton - J. Liddle 2, R. Liddle , N. Flight , B. Manuel , P. Portolesi , M. Fazekas , A. Jachmann , N. Uren 

MAGPIES WIN ANZAC DAY CLASH

LOXTON NORTH V WAIKERIE

By Nick Kossatch at Loxton North 

Waikerie withstood a stern fight back from last year’s premiers Loxton North to defeat them by five points in a pulsating Anzac Day RFL round one match at Loxton North. Tanunda recruit Craig Underwood made his return in black and white stripes in the best possible way by winning the Anzac Day medal for best afield.

              Andrew Bachmann booted two opening goals and Waikerie skipper Ben Venning, took full advantage of Josh Voigt’s absence with an ankle injury sustained 20 minutes into the match, to monster his new opponent with numerous marks across half forward. The Panther’s trademark run was missing and despite a much-needed goal to Tim Arnold – the Magpies threatened to win big and at least ease the pain a little from last year’s Grand Final loss.

              Waikerie kicked the first three goals at the start of the second term and when the tall and agile Craig Miller snapped truly, Loxton North needed to respond. Geordie Franks broke the tight defensive reigns of Port District recruit Glen Schrieber to kick two goals but the home team had too many players down on form.

              The red-haired Joseph Haines gathered quality possessions and used the ball well for the Magpies as did Tim Bevan. Captain Josh Nelson and Tim Ferguson put their heads over the ball for the hosts but bookend players Venning and Steve Braun marked everything that came their way but their team-mate Damien Stevens, in his comeback game from a serious knee injury, was off the ground with a hamstring strain.

              Midfielder Clint Williams impressed in his first game for the Magpies but North found its grand spirit from last year with a six-goal third quarter.  Ben Walter showed class and poise with a goal and helped set up Ryan Proud for his second to close the margin to 18 points but Bachmann found space behind a pack to get one back for his team and his fourth major.

              Braun drifted forward to kick the first goal of the fourth quarter to put Waikerie 25-points clear. Daniel and Justin Proud came into their own but a desperate lunge from a Waikerie defender stopped an almost certain Michael Scott goal.

              Both teams showed plenty and have further improvement but the Waikerie coaching staff would be delighted with the win and form of its new recruits and key position payers

Best: Waikerie - S. Braun, J. Haines, T. Bevan, J. Sutton, A. Bachmann, G. Schreiber. Loxton North - J. Ferguson, B. Miller, R. Proud, T. Arnold, B. Walter, M. Scott. Goals: Waikerie - A. Bachmann 4, B. Venning 2, M. Butcher , S. Braun , C. Underwood , T. Bevan , C. Miller , A. Nettlebeck , J. Fladrich , C. Wilson . Loxton North - R. Proud 3, G. Franks 3, J. Proud 2, B. Walter 2, A. Baker , J. Voigt , J. Ferguson, T. Arnold

ROUND ONE PREVIEW 2012

LOXTON NORTH V WAIKERIE – ANZAC DAY

Last year’s runner-up Waikerie have had a huge pre-season and have steeled itself for ‘some what’ of a revenge against Loxton North at Panther Park. The Panthers have had some big personnel losses with champion and Grand Final medallist Michael Arnold overseas and Brad Williams enjoying retirement. The Magpies have two new coaches and new ideas- Craig Griffiths and Brenton Kay. Barmera Monash recruit Aaron Nettlebeck will assist Craig Miller in the ruck. Miller is set for a great season and is fitter and stronger but expect him to play more of a role in the forward line with Nettlebeck rucking for most of the games. Damien Stevens is back from injury to help Tim Bevan and Andrew Bachmann in the midfield. The duel between Steven Braun and Panther centre half forward Justin Proud will be crucial to the result and full forward Geordie Franks is keen to back up his leading goal-kicker efforts from last year. I’m predicting Waikerie to be 13-point winners. 

APRIL 28 MATCHES

BERRI V LOXTON

Both clubs have had big off and off field changes. Allan Brand takes on the coaching role at the Demons whilst the Tigers have Mick Zerna returning as coach. Another famous name returns to Berri with Lachlan Jennings likely to provide experience and pace to the midfield and the forward line. Loxton has class midfielder Leigh Kruger back at the club after a stint in the Great Southern League. Steven Raeder and Kym Sampson lead a solid backline for the Demons who will be eager to beat its bogey side. Sam Hirschi showed great promise in the ruck for Berri last year and is poised for a great year. Perhaps Berri have the edge with the elusive Kirk Harwood and Jennings, in the forward line, likely to trouble the Loxton defence. Ryan Smith will have a big role to play in the ruck for the Tigers in the absence of the injured Ash Montgomery. Loxton’s dominance over Berri may be broken and the Demons to win by a nine points on its home ground. 

BARMERA MONASH V RENMARK

New Barmera coach Lyndon Burns has brought a fresh enthusiasm to the club. It has lost gun ruckman Mason Middleton and a host of ex-Port District players except Michael Smart whose experience will again be invaluable. Tyler Baldock, an athletic left-footed ruckman is an able replacement for Middleton and will have an interesting battle against Renmark’s experienced Nathan Farr and Craig Seekamp. The Rovers’ forward line looks potent with Seekamp (who kicked seven goals against Barmera at Lakeside last year including a five-goal first term) and the returning Matt Camplin – a proven big-game sharp-shooter. Steven Pitt is Renmark’s big-named recruit and the ex-Collingwood and Norwood utility is likely to play at full forward.  This game will be a block-buster. Former Crows-listed player Sam Elliott and his brother Marc, who is a goal-kicker, may be the difference in a match which promises so much for both clubs. The Roos, on its home turf, should prevail by two points.

SEASON PREVIEW

April 17, 2012

By Nick Kossatch

Last year’s runners-up Waikerie are, to most local experts, the premiership favourite for season 2012. However this year promises to be one of the closest seasons ever. All the six clubs have recruited well, shoring up last year’s deficiencies. The Magpies have appointed a unique coaching ‘double’ with Brenton Kay and Craig Griffiths as its coaches. Of the big names recruited, Renmark have signed ex-Collingwood and Norwood player Steven Pitt. He’ll fill the void left by 2011 best and fairest Ryan Bennett whilst Barmera Monash have signed former Crows-listed player Sam Elliott and his brother Marc will provide much-needed goal-scoring power, a facet that has haunted the Roos in previous failed finals campaigns.

                  Berri, with new coach Allan Brand at the helm, will opt for youth. Brand knows about it because he was a country zone development officer with West Adelaide. The Demons have ex-Central District player Ryan Porter but have suffered a blow with gun midfielder Jake Langdon set to miss the year with a knee injury. This may be offset however with Lachlan Jennings returning from a couple years at West Adelaide under 18s and reserves. Jennings will provide midfield and goal-scoring prowess.

                  Loxton North, last year’s premiers, have lost some key players – Michael Arnold, Brad Mules, Rhett Davis and the retired Brad Williams. They have players who will step up in the mentioned players absence with Josh Voigt touted to be Arnold’s ‘replacement’ after his breakthrough 2011 season. Despite losing Nathan Brown to West Adelaide, the Panthers’ midfield will still trouble most during the year with a fitter and stronger Andrew Baker and Michael Scott poised to step up.

                  Loxton finished a disappointing last place last year but with the return of Mick Zerna as coach – team discipline and the return of champion midfielder Leigh Kruger and promising Mitch Fazekas – a climb up the ladder will occur. The Tigers have lost key players Pete Smith, Tim Inkster and Ash Montgomery, to name a few. Jamahl Liddle is a jet when on song and if he is as consistent as his brother Raphael, then his side will cause problems.

Below are the INS and OUTS, coach and prediction for the six clubs.

BARMERA MONASH  - Coach: Lyndon Burns

INS: Robert Price (Sunraysia), Ryan Burns (Gaza), Jarred Burns (SAAFL), Aaron Manning (SAAFL), Marc Elliott (Great Southern), Sam Elliott (Great Southern), Tyler Baldock (Mid West), John Pilla (Moorook-Kingston), Luke Hamood (Mallee), Tom Wiseman (Cobdogla)

OUTS: Chris Hughes (Pinnaroo), Matthew Leigh (SAAFL), Simon Maddern (SAAFL), Darren Perry (SAAFL), Simon Peucker (SAAFL), Todd Smitham (SAAFL), Darren Perry (SAAFL), Aaron Nettelbeck (Waikerie), Corey Hanna (SAAFL), Simon Sumner (Lyrup)

Prediction: Second 

BERRI Coach: Allan Brand

INS: Jamie Milburn (North Eastern), Darren Marner (CMS Crows), Daniel Wilson (Brighton), Damien Brown (Northern Areas), Scott Murphy (Westminster), Ryan Porter (South Gawler), Steven Hunter (Whyalla), Lachlan Jennings (West Adelaide)

OUTS: Brad Dolling (work), Luke Hagean (Melbourne), Jack Barker (work), Kieren Stone (River Murray), Toby Schulz (SAAFL), Robbie Vagg (Queensland), Chris Scholefield (SAAFL), Jake Langdon (injured), Anthony Karner (Pinnaroo)

Prediction: Sixth 

LOXTON -  Coach: Mick Zerna

INS: Leigh Kruger (Victor Harbour), Brett Manuel (injury), Michael Kirk (East Murray), Ryan Smith (East Murray), Kale Smith (East Murray), Josh Norman (East Murray), Brock Birkin (SAAFL), Samuel Proud (SAAFL), Lachlan Muir (SAAFL), Bryn Zerna (SAAFL), Jarrad Collinson (Renmark), Mitch Fazekas (Far North), Russ Charles (Browns Well), Matthew Recchia (Lyrup), Thomas Haywood (Great Southern)

Prediction: Fifth 

LOXTON NORTH - Coach: Craig Wooldridge

INS: Ben Walter (Sunraysia), Brogan Whitelaw (Northern Areas), Jason Dean (Adelaide Uni), Tim Pannell (Kowree Naracoorte Titiara), Jake Tapper (Wunkar), Matthew Wheeler (Mallee), Jeremy Miatke (Mid South East)

OUT: Michael Arnold (overseas), Brad Williams (retired), Nathan Brown (West Adelaide), Rhett Davis (Hills), Brad Mules (illness), Jesse Koch (SAAFL)

Prediction: Third

RENMARK - Coach: Brett Blackwell

INS: Jayms Bleeze (SAAFL), Matt Camplin (SAAFL), Sam Frahn (Paringa), Jed Millington (Paringa), Steven Pitt (SAAFL), Zac Quintrell (SAAFL), Barry Sweetman (North Eastern), Matthew Taylor (SAAFL)

OUT: Ryan Bennett (Far North), Peter Dempsey (SAAFL), Phillip O’Loughlin (SAAFL), Brett Wakefield (Hills), Darren Wakefield (Hills), Bradley Yates (AFL), Joel Watson (Paringa), Ryan Sard (SAAFL), Jake Anspach (Southern), Nick Carr (Paringa), Aaron Tripney (Paringa), Josh Albanese (SANFL), Jarrad Collinson (Loxton), Josh Howard (SAAFL), Brett Exelby (Hills)

Prediction: Fourth

WAIKERIE - Coach: Brenton Kay and Craig Griffiths

INS: Jimmy Kafexholli (Ramco), Clayton Lush (returning), Aaron Nettlebeck (Barmera-Monash), Benjamin Ross (North Eastern), Glen Schreiber (SAAFL), Clinton Williams (Kowree Naracoorte Titiara), Cameron Wells (River Murray)

OUT: Chris Gibson (Far North), Craig Griffiths (retired), Cameron Hawke (Ramco), Luke Horner (retired), Nathan Tape (retired), Brad Gay (Ramco), Casey Somerville (North Eastern)

Prediction: First

LOXTON NORTH TOO STRONG IN GRAND FINAL

By Nick Kossatch at Loxton North

Loxton North broke a seven-year hoodoo by thrashing Waikerie to the tune of 42 points in the RFL Grand Final at Loxton North. The Magpies dominated the play early with skipper Ben Venning booting the first goal of the match with the wind and it seemed the Panthers were in for a tough afternoon against its finals-hardened opponents.

Itdid not take long for the home side to kick into gear by doing what they have been all season and that is using its skills and pace. Speedy wingman Andrew Baker (three goals) sparked the confidence into his team by slotting through a goal on the run in front of the scoreboard. North’s array of runners; Jamie Ferguson, captain Josh Nelson and defender Ryan Gray inflicted damage and despite Venning booting his second goal to have Anton Cook nervous, the Panthers were 10 points in front at quarter time.

Waikerie lifted with the wind in the early part of the second quarter when Justin Dellazoppa goaled from a free kick and gun midfielder Tim Bevan won important touches. Wunkar recruit Nathan Brown showed all why Loxton North were seeking the youngster’s services. The youngster sharked a loose ball behind the pack to snare a goal and his team-mates work-rate went up a notch. Champion defender Michael Arnold was a springboard from defence launching into attack with either his strong marks or runs down the ground and Brad Mules kept danger man AndrewBachmann quiet.

Veteran Nathan Tape struggled to have much input for Waikerie but in contrast Ryan Proud found the ball some 12 times in the second quarter and his superb goal into the wind sent alarm bells through the Magpie camp at the start of the third term. The much-improved Rhett Davis took a majestic pack mark and following goal to bring the pro-North crowd into rapture. Michael Bratton led the way for the Waikerie midfielders to follow and Cameron Hawke was a foil for Venning though Hawke did not trouble the scorers.

Steven Braun was on top of leading goal kicker Geordie Franks who appeared frustrated in the second term. Franks got his turn by ‘losing’ the tight-checking solidly built Braun with a goal as a result from a terrific switch of play from Cook at the opposite end of the ground.

Heavy rain began falling at three quarter time and it could be said North’s lead was equivalent to 62-points instead of 31. Despite an early goal for Dellazoppa’s second, the retiring Brad Williams, so much the heart and soul of this proud football club, booted two in a fairytale finale for the skilled utility. If that was not good enough, the best on ground Michael Arnold kicked a goal to top off a grand game while Franks nailed his second amidst a crowd that was poised to party.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: The once maligned Rhett Davis took a classical pack mark in the second term to post a goal. Davis’ improvement mirrored his team’s rise from also ran to premiers.

TURNING POINT: Andrew Baker’s scorching running goals for two goals in front of the scoreboard then later from a blistering run down the wing in the first quarter set the tone for Loxton North.

BEST ON GROUND: Panther warrior Michael Arnold did it all on the biggest stage to establish himself as the most influential RFL player seen in years. Spoils, marks, dash from defence, the big Panther even showed desperation when the game was lost for Waikerie with two smothers and he capped off a champion’s game with a late game goal.

Grand Final Scoreboard - September 10, 2011

Loxton North                       4.2,  7.3,  9.6,  13.7  (85)

Waikerie                                2.4,  3.10,  3.11,  5.13  (43)

GOALS, Loxton North  :  Andrew Baker 3, Geordie Franks 2, Brad Williams 2, Ryan Proud 1, Rhett Davis 1, Nathan Brown 1, Michael       Arnold 1, Tim Roberts 1.  Waikerie  : Ben Venning 5, Justin Dellazoppa 2.  BEST, Loxton North  : Michael       Arnold, Brad Mules, Ryan Proud, Andrew Baker, Brad Williams, Anton Cook.  Waikerie  : Michael Bratton, Timothy Bevan, Rob Smyth, Steven Braun, Craig Miller, Luke Horner

2012 PROGRAM